The Solstice Walk
Saturday, December 20 to Sunday, December 21, 2008
THE SOLSTICE WALK IS FINISHED.
Check our blog for a real-time account.
The Solstice Walk: Saturday, December 20 to Sunday, December 21
Around 7:04 AM EST on December 21, the Earth's rotational axis will momentarily intersect its orbital axis, a semiannual occurrence known, in this instance and in this hemisphere, as the winter solstice. Humans have recognized and celebrated the profound terrestrial implications of this ethereal celestial geometry since neolithic times, and we are going to continue this tradition with our own revelry of sorts.
The night preceding the solstice will be the longest night of the year on this side of the equator. That evening (Saturday, December 20), we will congregate on a rooftop in Sunset Park, Brooklyn to watch the sun set, and then we'll walk until it rises again, a trek some 15 hours in duration. Our route will be determined by random draw and will depend on the composition of the group; the exact mechanism governing our course will be revealed in due time.
Before you decide to come, make sure you're not just getting swept up in the mystic allure of the solstice. This walk will be extremely long, the weather could be terrible, and it will be dark the entire time. It will screw up your sleep cycle. It will be very draining, both physically and mentally.
But if you are ready for all this, it will be an amazing experience.
Some guidelines:
- No maps allowed! We'll rely on the collective knowledge of the group to see us through.
- Bring a flashlight.
- Check the weather and dress accordingly.
- There will probably be opportunities to pick up food and drink along the way, but it might be wise to bring some with you, since we won't know our route ahead of time.
- Take some time to think about what else you may want to bring. A thermos? Hand warmers? Extra socks? Emergency toilet paper? A flask of whiskey? It's up to you.
If you're interested in joining us, please email Matt (matt.burnsomedust@gmail.com) for the address of the meeting place and other relevant details.
Check out our
photos
and
route maps
of previous walks.
Join our
Facebook group.
